Province
recognizes long-time Frost volunteer
Dora van Kooten receives 10-year pin
Thursday November 6, 2003 Natalie Miller
Despite the dozen red roses and honourary pin from the Ontario government,
Dora van Kooten remains humble about her 13-year commitment to volunteerism.
The senior, who has offered her time to Frost Manor in Lindsay
for more than a decade, received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award from
the Province of Ontario recently at an award ceremony in Peterborough.
Approximately 300 volunteers were honoured for 10 years of service.
Dora’s son and grandson, along with staff from Frost Manor attended
the ceremony at the Trentwinds International Centre & Motor Hotel.
“It was nice,” says Dora. “I’m not
a person who likes to stay in the foreground.”
At the long-term care home, Dora assists with laundry, sewing,
bingo, therapy dog visits and sometimes accompanies residents to appointments.
She has even crocheted doilies and tablecloths for the home’s bazaars.
Twice a week, her son drops her off at Frost shortly before 8 a.m. and
she begins an eight-hour shift.
“I enjoy everything I’m doing,” says Dora.
“I feel like I help people out.
Volunteering has helped Dora stay connected with the community, following
the death of her husband, Gerret. Dora's granddaughter and the former
life enrichment co-ordinator's daughter were playmates. The Frost Manor
employee mentioned she was looking for people to help take the residents
shopping.
"I thought I could try it," Dora says. "I told her don't
put me down as a volunteer yet."
The shopping trips to the local mall became more frequent and soon Dora
was helping out with activities in the home. She baked, accompanied residents
to the park and visited between two and three times a week. Over the years,
she has made friends, and lost some as well. Dora says the residents respond
warmly to her and take to her company.
“She loves the residents,” says Vi O’Leary, life enrichment
co-ordinator.
“The residents love her, the staff does too.”
Vi received a package from the Province and naturally nominated Dora.
She learned in September the volunteer would receive recognition and that
a government representative would mail Dora an invitation to the ceremony.
“There’s nothing around here she hasn’t done. She really
enjoys what she does. She’s unbelievable for a volunteer really.”
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